U.S. patent number 5,836,339 [Application Number 08/774,407] was granted by the patent office on 1998-11-17 for raindrop counter and control system for irrigation systems.
Invention is credited to M. Thomas Craigo, David L. Klever.
United States Patent |
5,836,339 |
Klever , et al. |
November 17, 1998 |
Raindrop counter and control system for irrigation systems
Abstract
Disclosed is a raindrop counter and control system for
irrigation systems which provides the quick detection of the
presence, and subsequent absence of precipitation once it has first
been detected. When applied to automatic irrigation systems and the
like, the invention disables normal operation of the system by
interrupting power to the irrigation valves during and after
detection of precipitation. The control system includes sensitivity
selections to electronically adjust the triggering threshold to
precipitation, as well as a decoupled comparator network which
compensates for background ambient light levels. Furthermore, the
duration of sensed precipitation will determine the disable time
period by reprogramming the output delay from a short to a long
delay time period, if so desired. The time of the long delay is
then user selectable to a plurality of time periods. The invention
comprises a small outdoor probe, and a separate control and display
unit that is capable of interfacing with a plurality of automated
systems.
Inventors: |
Klever; David L. (Richmond,
VA), Craigo; M. Thomas (Manassas, VA) |
Family
ID: |
25101137 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/774,407 |
Filed: |
December 31, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/78.2;
137/624.12; 239/70; 239/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G
25/167 (20130101); G01W 1/14 (20130101); G01N
15/1456 (20130101); Y02A 40/22 (20180101); Y10T
137/1866 (20150401); Y10T 137/86397 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
A01G
25/16 (20060101); G01N 15/14 (20060101); G01W
1/14 (20060101); F16K 031/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;239/69,70
;137/624.12,78.2 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Jul./Aug. 1994 Irrigazette "Equipment on the Market" (J.F.
Leblond). .
May/Jun. 1995 Electronic House "Intelligent Sprinklers" (L.
Montgomery)..
|
Primary Examiner: Chambers; A. Michael
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A raindrop counter and control system for overriding a plurality
of automated devices requiring the ability to detect the presence,
subsequent absence, and duration of precipitation, which
comprises:
(a) An outdoor rain sensor containing a single pair of opposing
mounted Infrared (IR) emitter and detector connected to a separate
control unit via a multi-conductor cable such that the emitter
receives power from the control unit via a conductor, and a
separate conductor connected to the collector of the IR detector
sends a signal back to the control unit,
(b) a separately mounted control unit connected to said outdoor
probe which supplies a current limited voltage through resistor R4
to the IR emitter which produces a beam of IR light which will be
detected by the IR detector thus creating a control voltage on the
collector pin of the detector which is connected, via a conductor
within the multi-conductor cable, to the input pin of comparator
U1a through capacitor C6,
(1) the control signal also being tied to resistor R1, the opposite
end of resistor R1 being tied to the reference input of comparator
U1a, which is then held steady by capacitor C2, whereby, any quick
positive change in the input voltage of comparator U1a will be
detected resulting in a logic-low pulse on the output of the
comparator,
(2) the offset voltage between the input pin and reference pin of
comparator U1a being selectable via the switched resistor network
of resistors R2 and R3 allowing selectable levels of
sensitivity,
(3) the output of comparator U1a being tied to the trigger pin of
timer U2a, where a logic-low pulse will trigger the timer and
supply a logic-high pulse to the output of timer U2a for
approximately 100 mS, the duration being determined by the time
constant set by resistor R11 and capacitor C4,
(4) the output of timer U2a being tied to the set pin of DFF U3a,
where a logic-high pulse will result in a logic-high being applied
to the Q output of DFF U3a causing timer U2b to begin a timing
cycle of approximately 60 seconds, determined by the time constant
of resistors R8, R9, and capacitor C3,
(5) the output of timer U2b is tied to the input pins of an
inverter created with NAND gate U7a, where a logic-high will apply
a logic-low to the output of the inverter removing the reset signal
applied to counter U4a, thus enabling the counter,
(6) the output of timer U2a is also tied to the clock pin of
counter U4a, which, once enabled by the removal of the reset signal
from inverter U7a, will begin counting the number of raindrops,
(c) contain an electronic control circuit having the means to use
the number of counted raindrops to detect the presence of
precipitation, the subsequent absence of precipitation, determine
the duration of detected precipitation,
(d) contain circuitry to provide visual display of both the active
or passive status of the unit and the detection of individual
raindrops, and allow selection of the output mode of the unit,
either logic-level, normally open (N.O.), or normally closed
(N.C.).
2. A raindrop counter and control system for overriding a plurality
of automated devices requiring the ability to detect the presence,
subsequent absence, and duration of precipitation, which
comprises:
(A) An outdoor rain sensor containing a single pair of opposing
mounted Infrared (IR) emitter and detector connected to a separate
control unit via a multi-conductor cable such that the emitter
receives power from the control unit via a conductor, and a
separate conductor connected to the collector of the IR detector
sends a signal back to the control unit,
(B) a separately mounted control unit connected to said outdoor
probe which supplies a current limited voltage through resistor R4
to the IR emitter which produces a beam of IR light which will be
detected by the IR detector thus creating a control voltage on the
collector pin of the detector which is connected, via a conductor
within the multi-conductor cable, to the input pin of comparator
U1a through capacitor C6,
(1) the control signal also being tied to resistor R1, the opposite
end of resistor R1 being tied to the reference input of comparator
U1a, which is then held steady by capacitor C2, whereby, any quick
positive change in the input voltage of comparator U1a will be
detected resulting in a logic-low pulse on the output of the
comparator,
(2) the offset voltage between the input pin and reference pin of
comparator U1a being selectable via the switched resistor network
of resistors R2 and R3 allowing selectable levels of
sensitivity,
(3) the output of comparator U1a being tied to the trigger pin of
timer U2a, where a logic-low pulse will trigger the timer and
supply a logic-high pulse to the output of timer U2a for
approximately 100 mS, the duration being determined by the time
constant set by resistor R11 and capacitor C4,
(4) the output of timer U2a being tied to the set pin of DFF U3a,
where a logic-high pulse will result in a logic-high being applied
to the Q output of DFF U3a causing timer U2b to begin a timing
cycle of approximately 60 seconds, determined by the time constant
of resistors R8, R9, and capacitor C3,
(5) the output of timer U2b is tied to the input pins of an
inverter created with NAND gate U7a, where a logic-high will apply
a logic-low to the output of the inverter removing the reset signal
applied to counter U4a, thus enabling the counter,
(6) the output of timer U2a is also tied to the clock pin of
counter U4a, which, once enabled by the removal of the reset signal
from inverter U7a, will begin counting the number of raindrops,
(C) contain an electronic control circuit where:
(a) the Q3 output of counter U4a is tied to the set pin of DFF U3b,
and once a pre-determined count of raindrops is reached, will
become a logic-high which in turn will cause the Q output pin of
DFF U3b to become a logic-high indicating rain has been
detected,
(1) the Q output of DFF U3b being connected to the master reset of
programmable timer U6 where the application of a logic-high
activates the timer causing the output pin to be driven to a
logic-low,
(2) the output pin of timer U6 is tied to the input pin of
comparator U1b, the reference pin of comparator U1b is connected to
2/3 Vcc supplied by U2b, where a logic-low applied to the input pin
will result in a logic-low on the output pin, activating the relay
K1,
(b) the clock pin of counter U4b is tied to the output of the
timing cycle generator U2b, the purpose of U4b being to count the
number of timing cycles,
(1) the Q2 output of counter U4a is tied, through diode D3, to the
reset pin of counter U4b, which will continually reset counter U4b
provided rain is continually detected, but, once rain ceases to
fall, timer U4b is allowed to count the number of timing cycles
without detected rain,
(2) the Q3 or Q4 output of timer U4b, selected via switch S2, is
tied to the reset pin of DFF U3b, which will cause DFF U3b to be
reset once the preselected number of timing cycles without rainfall
is reached, thereby returning the Q output of DFF U3b to a
logic-low, indicating the detection of the absence of rainfall,
(c) the clock pin of the first stage of cascaded counters U5a and
U5b being tied to the output pin of the timing cycle generator
U2b,
(1) the Q output of DFF U3b being tied to the clock enable pin of
the first stage of cascaded counters U5a and U5b, which, once
rainfall is detected, will begin counting timing cycles thereby
allowing the detection of the duration of rainfall,
(D) contain circuitry to provide visual display of both the active
or passive status of the unit and the detection of individual
raindrops, and allow selection of the output mode of the unit,
either logic-level, normally open (N.O.), or normally closed
(N.C.).
3. A raindrop counter and control system for overriding a plurality
of automated devices requiring the ability to detect the presence,
subsequent absence, and duration of precipitation, which
comprises:
(A) An outdoor rain sensor containing a single pair of opposing
mounted Infrared (IR) emitter and detector connected to a separate
control unit via a multi-conductor cable such that the emitter of
the sensor receives power from the control unit via a conductor,
and a separate conductor connected to the collector of the IR
detector sends a signal back to the control unit,
(B) a separately mounted control unit connected to said outdoor
probe which supplies a current limited voltage through resistor R4
to the IR emitter which produces a beam of IR light which will be
detected by the IR detector thus creating a control voltage on the
collector pin of the detector which is connected, via a conductor
within the multi-conductor cable, to the input pin of comparator
U1a through capacitor C6,
(1) the control signal also being tied to resistor R1, the opposite
end of resistor R1 being tied to the reference input of comparator
U1a, which is then held steady by capacitor C2, whereby, any quick
positive change in the input voltage of comparator U1a will be
detected resulting in a logic-low pulse on the output of the
comparator,
(2) the offset voltage between the input pin and reference pin of
comparator U1a being selectable via the switched resistor network
of resistors R2 and R3 allowing selectable levels of
sensitivity,
(3) the output of comparator U1a being tied to the trigger pin of
timer U2a, where a logic-low pulse will trigger the timer and
supply a logic-high pulse to the output of timer U2a for
approximately 100 mS, the duration being determined by the time
constant set by resistor R11 and capacitor C4,
(4) the output of timer U2a being tied to the set pin of DFF U3a,
where a logic-high pulse will result in a logic-high being applied
to the Q output of DFF U3a causing timer U2b to begin a timing
cycle of approximately 60 seconds, determined by the time constant
of resistors R8, R9, and capacitor C3,
(5) the output of timer U2b is tied to the input pins of an
inverter created with NAND gate U7a, where a logic-high will apply
a logic-low to the output of the inverter removing the reset signal
applied to counter U4a, thus enabling the counter,
(6) the output of timer U2a is also tied to the clock pin of
counter U4a, which, once enabled by the removal of the reset signal
from inverter U7a, will begin counting the number of raindrops,
(C) contain an electronic control circuit where:
(a) the Q3 output of counter U4a is tied to the set pin of DFF U3b,
and once a pre-determined count of raindrops is reached will become
a logic-high which in turn will cause the Q output pin of DFF U3b
to become a logic-high indicating rain has been detected,
(1) the Q output of DFF U3b being connected to the master reset of
programmable timer U6 where the application of a logic-high
activates the timer causing the output pin to be driven to a
logic-low,
(2) the output pin of timer U6 is tied to the input pin of
comparitor U1b, the reference pin of comparitor U1b is connected to
2/3 Vcc supplied by U2b, where a logic-low applied to the input pin
will result in a logic-low on the output pin, activating the relay
K1,
(b) the clock pin of counter U4b is tied to the output of the
timing cycle generator U2b, the purpose of U4b being to count the
number of timing cycles,
(1) the Q2 output of counter U4a is tied, through diode D3, to the
reset pin of counter U4b, which will continually reset counter U4b
provided rain is continually detected, but, once rain ceases to
fall, timer U4b is allowed to count the number of timing cycles
without detected rain,
(2) the Q3 or Q4 output of timer U4b, selected via switch S2, is
tied to the reset pin of DFF U3b, which will cause DFF U3b to be
reset once the preselected number of timing cycles without rainfall
is reached, thereby returning the Q output of DFF U3b to a
logic-low, indicating the detection of the absence of rainfall,
(c) the clock pin of the first stage of cascaded counters U5a and
U5b being tied to the output pin of the timing cycle generator
U2b,
(1) the Q output of DFF U3b being tied to the clock enable pin of
the first stage of cascaded counters U5a and U5b, which, once
rainfall is detected, will begin counting timing cycles thereby
allowing the detection of the duration of rainfall,
(D) provide additional circuitry where:
(a) the output pin of programmable timer U6 is connected to a
bicolor LED D5, the opposite end of D5 being tied to resistor R22,
the opposite end of R22 being tied to ground, such that a
logic-high on the output of programmable timer U6 will result in
current flowing through LED D5 illuminating it green, indicating
the unit is in a passive state waiting to detect a rain event,
(1) LED D5 also being tied to resistor R21, the opposite end of R21
being tied to Vcc, such that a logic-low voltage on the output of
programmable timer U6 will result in an opposite current flowing
Through LED D5 illuminating it red, indicating the unit has
detected rain and is in an active state,
(b) the output pin of timer U2a is tied to LED D2, the opposite end
of D2 being tied to ground through resistor R10, where a logic-high
pulse resulting from the detection of a single raindrop will cause
the momentary illumination of D2 indicating the detection of each
individual raindrop,
(c) the output connections, either logic-level, normally open
(N.O.), or normally closed (N.C.) are connected to a terminal block
and are capable of controlling either logic or power functions
allowing connection to a plurality of control units.
Description
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an optical space and velocity monitoring
precipitation sensor, combined with an electronic circuit to
control automated irrigation or home automation systems.
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
It is generally agreed that, in principle, the use of rain sensing
devices provides significant water savings with irrigation systems
when properly installed and maintained. However, most rain sensing
devices are unreliable, difficult to install, and require periodic
maintenance. These disadvantages, combined with an obtrusive
physical appearance, have made many irrigation professionals
reluctant to install them.
Although the invention can be applied in a variety of contexts,
that is, to control or override any automated system that benefits
from the ability to respond to the detection of the presence, and
subsequent absence, of precipitation, the described invention
relates to a precipitation-activated control system that integrates
with programmable irrigation systems. This invention automatically
disables an irrigation system for user-selectable periods of time
related to the opto-electric detection of precipitation. While the
current invention is not limited only to the detection of rain,
reference to all forms of precipitation henceforth will be as
either rain, rainfall, raindrops, or precipitation.
There are a number of systems which override a programmable
irrigation system when a specific amount of rainfall is detected.
Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,613,764,
5,321,578, and 5,355,122. All of these patents describe systems
that employ a collection container to detect the presence of
rainfall. In each, conductive sensors extend down into a rainwater
collection container at either a fixed or an adjustable depth from
the bottom. The electronics are activated when rainwater reaches
the sensors and acts as an electrical connection. The electrical
connection of the sensors causes the electronics of the rainfall
sensor to isolate the programmable controller from the irrigation
valves, or pump start relay. The normal irrigation cycles are
thereby interrupted until the rainwater in the collection container
evaporates.
In the prior art, the amount of rainwater necessary to interrupt
the normal irrigation cycle changes as debris builds up in the
collection container. Rain sensors such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,613,764
and 5,321,578 are also susceptible to fluctuations in water levels
due to high wind conditions. When such conditions exist the
collected water can move from side to side, causing an intermittent
bridging of the sensors. As a result, rapid switching due to
repeated intermittent bridging of the sensors can damage a pump
start relay associated with some irrigation systems. Furthermore,
high wind conditions may result in water being blown out of the
collection container, thereby reducing the overall time delay of
the device.
Mechanical precipitation detection and control systems such as U.S.
Pat. No. 3,808,385 utilize moisture absorptive disks in an enclosed
body that depress a switch when a predetermined amount of
precipitation swells the disks. The system remains inactive until
the disks dry and shrink releasing the switch. This type of
precipitation switch requires at least 1/8" of rainfall to disable
the irrigation systems and can allow the system to operate during
light rain. Additionally, this type of switch gives the user little
control over the shut-off duration after rainfall, and requires a
secondary switch to bypass the sensor, if so desired.
The limitations associated with ground moisture sensors are
numerous, such as with U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,445,176 and 5,060,859.
These systems require an involved installation procedure of burying
them at the proper depth related to the base of the root system for
the plant material you wish to irrigate. Due to variation of
drainage throughout the landscaped region, multiple sensors are
usually required at various locations for accurate operation.
Because of the nature of the design (i.e: a probe surrounded by
soil material), any fallen moisture must first soak into the soil
material before the system can detect it. This in itself eliminates
the ability to quickly detect the presence of precipitation, not to
mention the absence of precipitation after it has first been
detected.
Electro-optical rain detectors such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,701,613 and
4,987,296 and foreign No. 61-231439 are examples of systems that
use a beam of modulated light to detect the presence and amount of
precipitation. When a raindrop interrupts the beam of light from an
emitter to detector the modulation level decreases, and the amount
of change is then used to mathematically calculate the size of the
raindrop. These particular sensors use complex circuitry to
calculate the size of raindrops, and are designed specifically for
automotive use.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the
precipitation detection and control system described in the above
patents, several objects and advantages of the present invention
are:
(a) to provide a precipitation detection and control system with a
small waterproof outdoor probe that is extremely sensitive to
precipitation without retaining any moisture whatsoever;
(b) to provide a precipitation detection and control system with an
outdoor probe that is aesthetically unobtrusive and can be painted
or otherwise customized to match its surroundings;
(c) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
requires virtually no maintenance;
(d) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
remains in a passive state until the detection of a single
raindrop, at which time the system becomes activated and begins
monitoring the intensity of precipitation;
(e) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
utilizes a plurality of electronic precipitation counters that
count the number of raindrops during a specified timing cycle;
(f) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that,
once activated, if it detects a predetermined number of raindrops
during the timing cycle, will activate the output function;
(g) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that if
the precipitation counting circuit fails to count a predetermined
number of raindrops during a timing cycle it will reset the counter
and begin counting again;
(h) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
utilizes a plurality of electronic timers to count timing cycles
without precipitation after precipitation has first been
detected;
(i) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that,
once rainfall stops and if the detected rain duration is shorter
than a predetermined period and a predetermined number of timing
cycles pass without the detection of precipitation, will deactivate
the output function and reset the system to a passive state;
(j) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that,
once the detected rain duration is longer than a predetermined
time, will reprogram the output delay from a short delay to a
user-selectable long delay.
(k) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
allows the user to manually reset the output function and restore
normal operations to the controller;
(l) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
allows the user to select either a normally open, normally closed,
or logic-level output function;
(m) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
allows the user a plurality of sensitivity selections that
electronically vary the triggering threshold for precipitation;
(n) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
does not require any electrical adjustment for ambient background
light levels;
(o) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that,
upon the interruption of electrical power to the invention, will
remain inactive;
(p) to provide a precipitation detection and control system with a
power-on reset function that enables it to remain inactive upon the
application of power.
(q) to provide a precipitation detection and control system that
will not trigger upon the detection of non-repetitive events, such
as those caused by an insect, or the like.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a precipitation
detection and control system that will easily integrate with
virtually any type of automated device benefiting from the ability
to respond to the presence and subsequent absence of rainfall and
to give the user fully automated operations in any weather
condition. Further objects and advantages will become apparent from
a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The previous aspects, as well as other aspects, of the invention
will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following disclosure and accompanying figures:
FIG. 1 is an elevated view of a typical irrigation system having a
raindrop counter and control system installed, particularly
illustrating the outdoor detection probe and the control unit
connected to said detection probe and to various electrical
components of said irrigation system.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the raindrop
counter and control unit and an outdoor detection probe in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outdoor
detection probe in accordance with the present invention as shown
in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4A,4B,and 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation
of the analog and digital functions of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a system flow chart illustrating the system algorithm
from the detection of a single raindrop to the activation of the
output function of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of the block functions of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A typical irrigation system, such as described in FIG. 1 has at
least one normally closed electrically actuated solenoid valve 10
connected to a pressurized water supply 12 to provide regulated and
timed amounts of water through sprinkler heads 14 and the like to a
desired plant material.
As shown in FIG. 1, the timing of the actuation of the valves 10
and the subsequent application of water to plant material through
sprinkler heads 14 is regulated by an automatic irrigation
controller 16. Such a controller 16 is basically an automated
timing device that allows the user to select the duration and time
of day for watering which is known as a "cycle." Each sprinkler
head 14 or group of heads connected to a valve 10 is known as a
"zone." The controller 16 sends a 24VAC control signal to each
valve 10 for each zone which then remains open for the duration of
said cycle, and is repeated throughout each of the zones. Each
valve 10 for each zone is connected with a common ground wire 18
and a separate control wire 20 so that all zones can be deactivated
(or overridden) by opening the common ground wire 18.
FIG. 1 also shows a typical enclosure for the raindrop counter and
control unit 22, mounted in proximity to the irrigation controller
16. A connection block 24 attached to the control unit 22 provides
connections for power leads 26 to the 24VAC power available from
the irrigation controller 16, or from another power source (not
shown).
FIG. 1 further illustrates an outdoor rain detection probe 28 that
receives operating voltage from the control unit 22 and supplies an
output based on the detection of rainfall via the use of the
infrared emitter 30 and detector 32 pair. Power to probe 28, and
output signals from said probe to control unit 22, are carried by a
multiple conductor cable 34.
FIG. 2 illustrates the details of the detection probe 28 and
control unit 22. The detection probe 28 is formed in a way to
mortise inside a channeled support structure 40 and is secured
using weather resistant fasteners 42. The channeled support
structure 40 is of a length sufficient to extend the detection
probe 28 past any overhanging structural element. A mounting
bracket 44 is attached to channeled support structure 40 via a
weather resistant fastener 46. The detection probe 28 can be
mounted with or without the channeled support structure 40 and
mounting bracket 44, giving the user a plurality of mounting
possibilities.
As shown in FIG. 2 the control unit 22 includes a rainfall
indication LED 48 to give the user "real time" indication of
rainfall. When rainfall interrupts the infrared beam 38 produced
from the infrared emitter 30 to the detector 32 in the detection
probe 28, the rainfall indication LED 48 will briefly illuminate. A
continuous illumination of the LED 48 indicates an obstruction of
the infrared beam 38 or a disconnection of the multiple conductor
cable 34.
FIG. 2 also illustrates that when a predetermined number of
raindrops are detected by the detection probe 28, the output
function of the control unit 22 will become activated as indicated
by the color of the output indicator LED 50, which will change from
green indicating an inactive state, to red indicating the output
function is active. Normally closed 52, or normally open 54, output
terminals are user selected on connection block 24. Other automated
devices (not shown) may require a normally open output 54, such as
controllers with dedicated sensor inputs or devices that require
activation in the event of rain. A push button reset switch 56
allows the output function of control unit 22 to be reset to an
inactive state, in the event that service is required to the
irrigation system shortly after rainfall, or if otherwise
desired.
FIG. 2 also shows the sensitivity to rainfall is adjustable to a
plurality of settings via the sensitivity switch 58, which changes
the triggering threshold voltage allowing the invention to either
ignore or detect light rain. In addition, power to the control unit
22 is provided by power terminals 60 that connect to either the
24VAC power available from the controller 16, or a separate power
supply (not shown).
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 the duration of delay in
reactivating the irrigation system after rainfall is user
selectable through the delay switch 62. With the selection of the
zero delay setting 64, the device will return to a passive state
and will reset the output function within minutes of detecting the
absence of rainfall. If the user selects one of a plurality of
timed delay settings 66, the irrigation system will remain inactive
until the completion of said delay setting. A shower duration
threshold setting 36 allows the device to reset if the measured
duration of rainfall is less than the user selected setting. If the
measured duration of rainfall is greater than the user selected
setting, the system remains inactive for the duration of the timed
delay.
FIG. 3 of the drawings illustrates an outdoor precipitation
detection probe assembly 28 in accordance with the present
invention, which is mounted directly to a gutter or other outdoor
structure of a residential or commercial building (not shown). An
optional support structure 40 and mounting bracket 44, as
illustrated in FIG. 2 allows the user further mounting options.
As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor detection probe 28 comprises a
solid molded or cast element 68 of Lexan-.TM., or similar material,
tinted with a colorant transparent to near infrared light, such as
GE # 52125 or the like. An infrared emitter element 30 is disposed
within a protuberance of said material 70, while a light receiving
element 32 is disposed within a second protuberance of the same
material 72. Such an arrangement of the electro-optical elements
allows a beam of infrared light 38 to pass freely between the
protuberances 70 and 72, permitting precipitation to freely pass
between said protuberances and through said beam. The interruption
of the beam 38 will be detected by the control unit 22 described in
FIG. 1, without the retention of any moisture. Within said
detection probe 28, the electro-optical elements 30 and 32 are
mounted at a fixed distance on a printed circuit board 74 before
being molded or cast into said material 68.
In manufacture of the outdoor detection probe 28 the component
parts could be assembled as follows:
1. The infrared emitter 30, detector 32 and individual cable leads
76 from the multiple conductor cable 34 are all soldered to
connecting traces on a printed circuit board 74 to produce a single
unit.
2. The detection unit 28 is then cast or injection molded to form a
solid structure of material, tinted with a colorant transparent to
near infrared light, comprising twin protuberances to produce a
single plastic structural element. A plurality of mounting
cavities, such as cavities 78 can be added or omitted to allow for
various mounting options.
3. An optional process of shielding or masking the inside surface
area of each protuberance 70, 72 will allow the unit to be painted.
After painting, the masking is removed to reveal opposing openings
in the painted surface that allow light to pass between the
electro-optical elements 30, 32. Such painting will allow the
detection probe 28 to match the surrounding structure to which it
is mounted and become visually unobtrusive.
The above mentioned and other objects of the invention are
accomplished as described in the continuing sections.
Operation--FIGS 4A, 4B and 4C.
In FIG. 4A the power input for the invention is a multi-voltage
system using a full-wave bridge rectifier created by diodes D7-D10,
voltage regulator V1, and capacitors C10 and C11. By using a
full-wave rectifier, voltage regulator, and adequate filter
capacitance, the input power can be either 24VAC 26 or DC voltage
from 15V to 28V. The system is protected from minor power surges by
the transient voltage suppresser D11. The multi-voltage input
allows the invention to be used with all 24VAC sources available
from commercial or residential irrigation controllers, or from a
variety of power supply's easily obtainable through many retail
sources and connected without regard to proper polarity.
A direct beam of infrared light 38 is passed from the infrared
emitter D1 30 to the detector Q1 32. When a raindrop passes through
the IR beam 38 it is momentarily interrupted, resulting in an
increase in voltage on the output of the detector Q1 32. This
increase in voltage is detected by the comparator U1:a.
Comparator U1:a is used as the means to detect rainfall, and
utilizes a decoupled comparator network designed to react only to
quick changes in detected light while ignoring slow changes. Any
incidental light present such as sunlight, automobile headlights,
streetlights, etc., causes variations in the output voltage of
detector Q1 32. Decoupling capacitor C6 will isolate these slow
changes from the comparator while allowing quick changes to pass
through. The network is then biased at 1/2 Vcc by resistors R13 and
R14. The reference pin of U1:a is connected back to the
inputvoltage through R1, and is also connected to the network of
C2, and one of the resistors (R2 or R3) selected by switch S1 58
which is used to allow control over the triggering threshold to
precipitation. In addition to ignoring slow changes due to ambient
light fluctuations, the decoupled network also performs another
valuable function of eliminating any manual adjustment of the unit,
either by the user at time of installation or by the manufacturer
during assembly, to compensate for ambient light levels at the
location of use, or due to variations in electrical component
characteristics or the manufacturing process itself.
When an interruption in the IR beam 38 is detected, the rapid
increase in output voltage of detector Q1 32 results in the output
of comparator U1:a being driven to a logic low which in turn
triggers timer U2:a. Timer U2:a is used to shape the detected
raindrop into an accurate positive pulse, indicated by a brief
illumination of light emitting diode D2 48.
In FIG. 4B the first such pulse is used to activate the system by
`setting` the Q output of DFF U3:a. This in turn activates a
free-running astable timer U2:b, used to generate the main timing
cycle for the entire system (approximately 60 seconds) and is based
on the time constant of RC network R8, R9, and C3. This timing
cycle is used not only as a means to determine the intensity of
rainfall, but also as a means to detect the absence of
rainfall.
When timer U2:b becomes activated by the detection of a single
raindrop, it enables a pair of counters: U4:a and U4:b. U4:a will
be referred to as the `rain` counter and U4:b will be referred to
as the `no-rain` counter. If, after the initial raindrop activates
the counters, four additional raindrops are counted during the
period of 1 timing cycle, the Q3 output of the rain counter will go
to a logic high, which in turn will `set` DFF U3:b and generate the
signals known as +RDETECT and -RDETECT. If, however, less than 4
raindrops are counted during the period of 1 timing cycle, the rain
counter will be reset and will begin counting again from zero at
the beginning of the next timing cycle.
Once rainfall is detected, and if it continues to fall, the rain
counter output Q2 will continually reset the no-rain counter.
However, when rain ceases, the rain counter, no longer counting
raindrops, discontinues resetting the no-rain counter, which will
then detect the absence of rain by counting the number of timing
cycles without rain. When the no-rain counter reaches a preselected
count without rain it `resets` DFF U3:a and U3:b, which removes the
+/-RDETECT signals, disables the timing cycle, and resets the rain
and the no-rain counters. The number of timing cycles required to
initiate this action is selected by switch S2 36.
In FIG. 4C the output section of the invention is designed with
several unique features. First and foremost, it will rapidly
indicate the presence of rainfall. It will then determine the
duration of the rainfall and program the output delay based on the
sensed duration of rainfall, if so desired. Both the sensed
duration required to reprogram the delay, and the delay itself, are
user selectable. These features are accomplished by the use of
programmable timer U6, and 2 rain-duration counters U5:a and U5:b,
which are connected such that they are used as a single 8-stage
counter with separate enable inputs for the upper 4 and lower 4
stages.
Immediately upon sensing the +RDETECT signal, the output of
programmable timer U6 is driven to a logic low, changing the
bicolor output indicator D5 50 from green to red (indicating
precipitation has been detected) and driving the output of
comparator U1:b low activating relay K1, which controls the NO 54
and NC 52 SPST switched output of the invention. (The output of
comparitor U1:b or U6 can also be used directly as a logic-level
output.) Once the programmable timer has sensed the +RDETECT signal
it will remain activated for the duration of the signal, and then,
after the removal of the signal until the end of a delay count
determined by the clock frequency adjusted by the RC network of C8,
R17, and one of resistors R15, R16, or R25, which are selected by
switch S3 62. The true use of this circuit will become evident upon
consideration of the continued description.
The presence of the +RDETECT signal also enables the lower 4 stages
of the rain-duration counter U5:a. The rain-duration counter will
determine the duration of precipitation by counting the number of
timing cycles with detected rainfall. If the rain-duration counter
counts the preselected number of timing cycles with rainfall, it
reprograms timer U6 from a short delay count (1024) to a long delay
count (65536) while simultaneously disabling the upper 4 stages of
the counter (U5:b) effectively latching the reprogram function
until the timer completes its entire long delay count. This
reprogramming is done after either 56 or 120 timing cycles, chosen
via switch S4 36 and toggles timer program pin A0 of U6.
Furthermore, the long delay count time period is selectable via
switch S3 62 to allow adjustment from one to several days. The use
of discrete resistors and switch S3 62 as opposed to a variable
potentiometer, will eliminate routine cleaning of the potentiometer
if exposed to a dirty or otherwise hostile environment, and will
also allow accurate adjustment of the long delay time period
without experimentation to determine the desired setting.
Once the timer has completed its programmed time delay count,
either short or long, the output toggles to a logic high changing
bicolor output indicator D5 50 from red to green, indicating the
invention is in an inactive state, deactivating relay K1, and
resetting the rain-duration counters.
If so desired, relay K1 can be directly controlled by the -RDETECT
signal using the zero delay setting switch S6 64 effectively
bypassing the programmable timer and the rain-duration counter.
This function will be used by systems requiring the immediate
detection of the presence and subsequent absence of rainfall.
Complete system reset functions are performed by U1:c, and U7:c and
U7:d combined as a single voltage controlled oscillator. U1:c is a
comparator used to generate the main reset pulse. It is referenced
at 2/3 Vcc and the input is tied to an RC network comprised of R18
and C9. When power is first applied, the output of comparator U1:c
will go to a logic high for a short duration until the voltage on
C9 charges to 2/3 Vcc. The output of comparator U1:c will then
toggle to a logic low, where it will remain until power is
interrupted and again restored. This reset pulse will reset the
rain-duration counter U5:a and U5:b, DFF U3:b, and DFF U3:a which
in turn resets the timing cycle U2:b, both the rain and no-rain
counters U4:a and U4:b. It also enables the reset oscillator U7:c
and U7:d. The reset oscillator is designed to create a high
frequency clock signal to quickly clock programmable timer U6
through its entire timing delay cycle, effectively resetting the
output to a logic high. This reset function will serve to insure
the output of the invention becomes inactive upon the application
of power. The input of comparator U1:c is also tied to momentary
switch S5 56 which, once pressed by the user, will also initiate
the reset function allowing manual reset of the system.
The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to an illustrative preferred embodiment thereof, but it
will be understood that variations and modifications can be
effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described
above and as defined in the appended claims.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
The present invention overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art
by providing a raindrop counter and control system that utilizes an
optical detection method that eliminates the need to collect any
moisture, and easily integrates with a plurality of time
programmable systems, including, but not limited to, irrigation
systems. This elimination of collected moisture removes variables
associated with those types of devices, such as inconsistent drying
characteristics under different conditions, movement of water in
the collection container, or the inability to detect the absence of
precipitation after it has first been detected. By making an
irrigation system responsive to natural precipitation as required
by the user, the system acts to supplement rainfall only when
needed, thus promoting the healthy growth of plant material and
prevents the waste of water. Furthermore, the raindrop counter and
control system has additional advantages in that
it provides a small waterproof outdoor probe that is extremely
sensitive to precipitation without retaining any moisture
whatsoever;
it provides an outdoor probe that is aesthetically unobtrusive and
can be painted or otherwise customized to match its
surroundings;
it provides a raindrop counter and control system that requires
virtually no maintenance;
it provides a raindrop counter and control system that once
activated, will activate the output funcion if it detects a
predetermined number of raindrops during the timing cycle;
it provides a raindrop counter and control system that once
rainfall stops, and a predetermined number of timing cycles pass
without the detection of precipitation (if a long delay was not
selected), will deactivate the output function and reset the system
to a passive state;
it provides either a logic-level, normally open, or normally closed
output to interface with a plurality of systems.
Although the descriptions and operations above contain many
specificities, these should not be considered as limiting the scope
of the invention but as providing an illustration of the presently
preferred embodiment. For example, the outdoor probe can take many
shapes; the protuberances that contain the emitter and detector can
be cast separately or as one; the probe could be cast to resemble a
structural element of a building to which it is mounted; the
control unit could be made weatherproof so that the entire unit
could be mounted in proximity to outdoor irrigation controllers;
the logic functions of the system could be achieved using a
microprocessor and software, or the functions could be fabricated
into one integrated circuit. Thus the scope of the invention should
be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents,
rather than by the examples given.
______________________________________ Drawing Reference Numerals
Worksheet Part Name ______________________________________ 10
Solenoid valve 12 Pressurized water supply 14 Sprinkler heads 16
Automatic irrigation controller 18 Common ground wire 20 Control
wire 22 Control unit 24 Connection block 26 Power leads 28 Rain
detection probe 30 Infrared emitter 32 Infrared detector 34
Multiple conductor cable 36 No-rain time selector and shower
duration selector 38 Infrared light beam 40 Channeled support
structure 42 Weather resistant fasteners 44 Mounting bracket 46
Weather resistant fastener 48 Rainfail indication LED 50 Output
indicator LED 52 Normally closed output terminals 54 Normally open
output terminals 56 Reset switch 58 Sensitivity switch 60 Power
input terminals 62 Delay switch 64 Zero delay setting 66 Timed
delay settings 68 Cast element 70 Protuberance of cast material 72
Second protuberance of cast material 74 Printed circuit board 76
Cable leads 78 Cavities ______________________________________
* * * * *